By Alex Christodoulides
Raccoons, not usually a feature of urban living, have been roaming the streets of Katz's district, tearing through trash bags, damaging property and acting like nature's hooligans. The councilwoman has proposed a bill that would allow city Animal Control officials to trap the large nocturnal mammals and release them elsewhere after receiving a request from a member of the public.At the moment, the bill is still in the health committee, a Katz spokesman said.”Raccoons have been spotted in neighborhoods throughout the city rummaging through garbage and causing serious damage to private and public property,” Katz said. “My main concern, however, is to protect the community at large from being attacked and bitten by a raccoon. The city should implement a policy and procedure for the humane capture and release of these animals to an area where they will no longer pose a threat to people.”It is not clear where the raccoons would be released.Katz's district, which comprises Forest Hills and Rego Park, sits between Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Forest Park and Juniper Park, any or all of which might be the home turf of the masked trash bandits.Reach reporter Alex Christodoulides by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 155.
